Ikan bilis is the Malay name for small dried anchovies. For this wonderfully tasty and moreish snack they are fried with chillies, peanuts and onions. Try it with ice cold beer. You will need a 300g (10.5 oz) packet of ikan bilis and 200g (7 oz) of raw peanuts with their skins. Dry fry the…… Continue reading ikan bilis
Balinese baked fish + asinan sayur
Try this delicious recipe, by Justine Scholfield, with barramundi or snapper. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350ºF). Heat ¼ of a cup of coconut oil in a large frypan over high heat. Add 6 finely chopped purple shallots, 6 finely chopped cloves of garlic, a finely chopped 5cm piece of ginger, 5 very finely sliced…… Continue reading Balinese baked fish + asinan sayur
lemon and basil ice cream
Here’s a flavour combination I tried once and have never forgotten. A delicious summery combination of bright lemon with an intriguing hint of basil. Measure 2 cups of full fat milk, removing 2 tablespoons of the milk to make a slurry with 4 – 5 teaspoons of cornflour (cornstarch). Heat the remainder in a saucepan…… Continue reading lemon and basil ice cream
Korean braised pumpkin + green cabbage kimchi
This Korean recipe from Julia Park is a simple and delicious dish of Japanese pumpkin (AKA Kabocha squash). Clean and slice the pumpkin into wedges about 2cm (¾”) thick. You can leave the skin on. Choose a large fry pan which has a lid and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Brown…… Continue reading Korean braised pumpkin + green cabbage kimchi
enoki and carrot pickle
Enoki mushrooms have a mild fruity flavour and a great crunchy texture. In Japan, pickles (otsukemono) are served with every meal and this sweet pickle (amazuzuke) is a delicious example. Remove the bottom part of a bunch of enoki mushrooms and gently break them apart. Peel and cut 1 or 2 carrots into batons of…… Continue reading enoki and carrot pickle
Japanese chicken meatballs
These chicken meatballs (Toriniku Dango) are an old favourite of mine and make a nice light meal. The recipe is by Kiyoko Konishi from JAPANESE COOKING CLASS COOKBOOK. Combine 450g (1 lb) of chicken mince with 2 teaspoons of sugar, 3 teaspoons of soy sauce and 1 egg. Sprinkle with 5 teaspoons of cornflour (cornstarch)…… Continue reading Japanese chicken meatballs
pavlova
The jury is out about whether this dessert originated in Australia or New Zealand but it was definitely named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova who toured both countries in the 1920s. It has become an iconic celebratory dessert which most often appears at Christmas time when fresh fruit is at its best in the southern hemisphere.…… Continue reading pavlova
martini
I love a good martini and prefer it more gin-heavy. We drank quite a few during Covid19 lockdown and called them ‘quarantinis’ . In a cocktail shaker with a few ice cubes mix 2 parts of your favourite gin with 1 part dry vermouth (I use either Noily Prat or Dolin). For a classic dry…… Continue reading martini
buckwheat crêpes with mushroom, spinach and goat cheese
Buckwheat flour pancakes are popular in a number of countries including Eastern Europe, Korea and Canada. In France, buckwheat crêpes are usually made with a savoury filling. To make the batter, slowly add 1 cup of milk to 1 cup of buckwheat flour making sure there are no lumps. Add 2 eggs and ½ a teaspoon…… Continue reading buckwheat crêpes with mushroom, spinach and goat cheese
slow cooked beef ribs + sweet potato mash
This (slightly adapted) recipe for deliciously tangy slow cooked beef ribs is by Alison Roman from NYT Cooking. I followed her advice to season the ribs with salt and pepper two days before and cook them a day in advance, not only improving the favour but enabling the removal of some fat. Season 2¼ kg…… Continue reading slow cooked beef ribs + sweet potato mash
michelle picker cooks 